Flood Warnings Issued for Cape Fear and Little River

Recent heavy rainfall has led to flood warnings for local waterways. The Cape Fear River crested this morning at approximately 35 feet, exceeding minor flood stage. Similarly, the Little River at Manchester Road in Spring Lake also saw significant rises. The Town of Spring Lake has closed the Little River Bridge at Manchester Road due to high water levels, and the Little River is expected to peak around 8 PM tonight. Residents are advised to exercise caution on flooded roads and remember the critical message: "Turn around, don't drown."

Family of Four Killed in Lee County Plane Crash

A devastating plane crash in Lee County on Monday claimed the lives of a family of four. Authorities identified the victims as Travis Buchanan, 35; Candace Buchanan, 35; Aubrey Buchanan, 10; and Walker Buchanan, 9. The small plane went down in a field near Raleigh Executive Jetport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have taken over the investigation and are on the scene today to determine the cause of the tragic accident.

Municipal Election Filing Period Open in Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Elections has announced that the filing period for all municipalities in Cumberland County is now open. Prospective candidates can file at the Board of Elections office, located at 227 Fountainhead Lane, Suite 101, in Fayetteville. The filing period began on July 7, 2025, at 8 AM and will conclude on July 18, 2025, at 12 PM. The Fayetteville Primary election is scheduled for October 7, 2025, with the municipal elections following on November 4, 2025.

New Leadership Takes Helm in Cumberland County
Cumberland County has welcomed two new key leaders to their respective roles this week. Dr. Eric C. Bracy officially began his tenure as the Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools on Tuesday, July 1. Dr. Bracy, with 25 years of experience in public education, aims to enhance academic achievement and collaborate closely with the community. Additionally, Chief Roberto Bryan Jr. assumed his duties as the new Chief of Police for Fayetteville yesterday, July 7. Chief Bryan previously served as the chief of police at Fayetteville State University.

NC Attorney General Secures 23andMe Genetic Data Transfer to Nonprofit
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has successfully intervened to ensure that sensitive genetic data from North Carolina residents who used 23andMe will not be transferred to a for-profit entity. Following Jackson's legal challenge, the data, affecting over 15 million individuals, will now be transferred to the TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit established by one of 23andMe's co-founders. The agreement also mandates strengthened data privacy safeguards for customers.

Central Carolina Community College Unveils New Fall Continuing Education Courses
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) is expanding its Continuing Education program for Fall 2025, introducing a range of new courses designed to meet current workforce demands. The new offerings include Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Inspection I certifications, Core Cybersecurity Concepts, and "Power Your Work with AI" for generative AI tools. Additionally, CCCC will offer Agricultural Mechanization, NC Real Estate Prelicensing, and a Health and Wellness Coach program. These short-term training programs aim to provide valuable pathways to in-demand careers.

Fayetteville Area Weather Forecast
Tonight, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 PM, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 76 degrees. A south wind of 5 to 7 mph is expected. Wednesday will bring a slight chance of showers in the morning, followed by showers and possibly thunderstorms after 2 PM. The high will be near 93 degrees, with heat index values as high as 103. A south wind of 6 to 9 mph is anticipated, and the chance of precipitation is 80%. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to persist through the end of the week, with chances of precipitation remaining high.